- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, April 28: West Indies ‘A’ won its second match of the T20 series against Nepal with 10 runs. Nepal secured its victory in the opening match by four wickets.
A total of five matches are to be played in the Series.
In the second match held at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground, Nepal was, in the course of chasing a target of 161, restricted to 150 at the loss of nine wickets in 20 0vers.
Nepal’s Captain Rohit Kumar Poudel with not out with 71 while other batsmen except Gulsan Jha (26) and Lokesh Bam (17) could perform strongly.
In the victory of West Indies ‘A’, Obed McCoy and Gudakesh Motie took two wickets each while Roston Chase and Oshane Thomas took one wicket each.
Choosing to bat first by winning the toss, the West Indies scored 160 at the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Andre Fletcher was the top scorer with 43 including three sixes in 36 balls while Gudakesh Motie contributed 33 and Roston Chase 23.
Similarly, Kushal Bhurtel and Sagar Dhakal for Nepal took two wickets while Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee took one wicket each.
The third match in the tournament will take place on coming Wednesday.
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07- Prime Minister inaugurates Third Investment Summit
Kathmandu, April 28: The Third Investment Summit has opened here today with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country’s economic progress.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the Summit amidst a special programme.
One hundred and fifty-one projects have been presented for investment in the Summit. One thousand and six hundred investors from more than 55 countries are participating in the event.
Nepal Investment Board has informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects in the conference. Similarly, concept notes would be called for 19 projects.
The two-day international event features 11 parallel sessions on Monday. The first day witnesses inauguration session and two major sessions.
The investors will have opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.
The First Investment Summit was organized on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.
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08- President issues ordinance related to facilitation of investment
Kathmandu, April 28: President Ramchandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.
The President issued the Ordinance on the recommendation of the Government of Nepal, Council of Ministers and in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, stated a communiqué signed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the Spokesperson at the Office of the President.
The Ordinance has been issued in the context of the Third Investment Summit that kicked off in the federal capital from today.
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09- Nepal is attractive destination for international investment: Finance Minister
Kathmandu, April 28: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit here today, he highlighted the key objectives of the Summit.
According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.
The Finance Minister said there are multitudes of investment opportunities ahead, which will be further enhanced through this summit.
“Nepal has been able to achieve significant progress in recent years. Our macroeconomic indicators remain sound and stable. Nepal’s economic landscape is evolving, complemented by a federal system of governance providing ample opportunities to foster growth and innovation,” he said, adding that over the years, Nepal has witnessed significant achievements in the areas of clean energy, tourism, IT, agriculture, and agro-based industries as the drivers of its economic progress and prosperity.
Noting that as Nepal embarks on the journey of economic transformation, it is imperative to acknowledge that our existing technology and domestic markets alone are insufficient to sustain the high growth trajectory we hope to achieve, Finance Minister Pun observed that foreign investors in Nepal have made commendable achievements.
“Therefore, Nepal warmly welcomes foreign investment as a catalyst for industrial development, infrastructure development, job creation, export promotion, and knowledge, skill and technology transfer. The government is committed to collaborating with the private sector through private direct investment and various other models of public-private partnership. We are grateful to the development partners for their continuous support in creating an enabling environment for investment,” he reiterated.
Stating that various policy reforms have been initiated with a view to improving the doing business environment and boosting investors’ confidence, the Finance Minister said that these reforms include improving regulatory processes, reducing the time and cost of business, and ensuring transparency and accountability in public sector governance.
“Reform is an ongoing process; it will be continued in the days to come. Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident that this summit will serve as an important milestone for unleashing Nepal’s tremendous investment potential and charting a path towards sustainable economic growth. Let us grab the opportunity to forge new partnerships, drive innovation, and create a brighter future for all,” he added.
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10- FNCCI President urges investors to explore Nepal’s promising sectors
Kathmandu, April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal’s burgeoning economy.
Addressinig at the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit 2024, he emphasized the country’s colossal untapped sectors and its potential as an investment destination.
Dhakal highlighted Nepal’s strategic location between the economic powerhouses of China and India, underscoring its significance as a gateway to vast markets.
He emphasized the abundant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and ICT.
The FNCCI President particularly spotlighted the immense potential in renewable energy, citing recent agreements for power trade with India and Bangladesh as indicators of Nepal’s capability in hydropower generation and regional trade.
He also underscored the need for modern infrastructure in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors to harness Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and young, dynamic workforce.
Moreover, Dhakal emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled human resources, thereby boosting both domestic employment and remittance inflows.
He commended the government’s efforts in implementing business-friendly policies and initiatives to facilitate foreign investment, including recent amendments and bilateral investment agreements.
Highlighting FNCCI’s role in boosting investor confidence through international business summits in New Delhi, Beijing, and Dubai, Dhakal assured continuous support and commitment from the Nepali private sector for joint ventures in all potential sectors.
He shared his belief in Nepal’s emerging growth story and encouraged forging partnerships to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.
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11- Nepal is committed to liberal economic policy, you are welcome to invest here: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and be benefitted from this.
The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 here today.
On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it is potential country for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.
Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. The Prime Minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been reformed.
The following is the full text of the Prime Minister’s speech at the Summit:
Address by Rt. Hon’ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Prime Minister of Nepal at the Inaugural Session of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024
(Kathmandu, April 28, 2024)
Former Prime Ministers
Cabinet Colleagues,
Distinguished Delegates,
Esteemed Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Very Good morning and Namaste!
At the outset, I extend my warm welcome to you all to the Third Nepal Investment Summit, 2024. Today marks a momentous occasion in our journey towards economic prosperity and sustainable development. As we gather here, I am filled with a profound optimism and confidence that Nepal is emerging as a premier investment destination, offering boundless opportunities for global investors.
Nepal is the land of Gautam Buddha, Mount Everest and brave people. Equally, it is a country that wholeheartedly welcomes foreign investment. Nepal stands at the center of opportunities, welcoming investors with its untapped potential. Our unwavering commitment to liberal economic policies lays the foundation for a vibrant and investor-friendly business environment. We are strongly committed to carry out continuous reforms to facilitate the investors, industrialists, innovators and easing of doing businesses. In this context, the Government of Nepal has recently amended eight different laws governing business and investment regime. I believe, this boosts the investors’ confidence to invest in Nepal.
Distinguished Guests,
As a nation of peace and stability we have created a conducive environment for economic growth and prosperity. The Federal system of governance ensures a balanced development approach fostering social and economic transformation across the nation.
Nepal provides a number of incentives to foreign investors, including a robust regulatory framework, provision for the avoidance of double taxation, protection of intellectual property rights, competitive corporate taxation, among others. Government of Nepal has recently approved the framework of Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA), which aims to protect and promote bilateral investment. I encourage all our friendly nations to consider signing the BIA at the earliest.
Our liberalized policies encourage foreign investment in prioritized sectors. Our skilled workforce and low labor costs presents an attractive proposition for international investors. Provisions of national and non-discriminatory treatment to all FDIs and guaranteed repatriation in foreign currency further enhance the attractiveness of investing in Nepal.
Distinguished Guests,
With over 60 percent of Nepal’s population falling within the working-age group and a rapidly expanding middle-class population shows the immense potential for consumer-driven growth. Furthermore, our skilled labor force, comprising a significant number of foreign languages speaking youths helps the international investors to find favorite local workforce in Nepal.
Nepal provides a number of investment opportunities across diverse sectors, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, garments, high value crops manufacturing including agro-processing and infrastructure to mention a few.
Our hydropower potential holds the promise of abundant renewable and clean energy supply, while the tourism sector beckons with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Although, Nepal has a huge potential of hydropower generation, only 3,200MW have been harnessed so far and about 5,568 MW large scale power projects are under construction or in the pipeline of execution through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality.
This explicitly shows the enormous opportunities to invest in hydropower sector in Nepal. The existing and planned cross-border transmission lines with India and China facilitates energy exchange within the region. To facilitate the power cooperation within the region, we have signed power trade agreement with India, MOU for power sector cooperation with China and MOU for power export with Bangladesh.
The tourism industry stands as significant contributor to the economy, evidenced by the arrival of over 1.2 million international tourists in 2023, marking a notable 17% increase from the previous year. Likewise, the IT sector is experiencing a steady upward trajectory, with a remarkable growth rate of around 65% in service exports over 2021. Additionally, Nepal presents lucrative opportunities for the export of highly-value cash crops, further enhancing its investment appeal and contributing to economic growth.
The readymade garment and Nepali carpet are also the major products being exported to the global markets and renowned for their quality, having huge potential for investment.
The operation of two Special Economic Zones, alongside several others in the development phase throughout the nation, underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and industrial development. Currently, Nepal has ten operational industrial districts, with plans to develop six more, which ensures low initial investments, and access to essential infrastructure and support services.
Nepal’s strategic location, situated between emerging markets India and China, signifies it as an ideal investment destination. Duty-free access to these markets, facilitated by regional agreements SAFTA and BIMSTEC as well as Free Trade arrangement ensure the bilateral and regional markets.
To facilitate the smooth inflow of international private investments, the Department of Industry serves as the approving agency for investments less than 6 billion Rupees, while the Investment Board Nepal handles investments exceeding 6 billion Rupees or energy projects with over 200 Mega Watts. Both government agencies are committed to provide eased and facilitated one stop services within stipulated time frame to both domestic and international investors.
Investment in Nepal is profitable as witnessed in the case of various companies operating in Nepal with significant foreign investment. The share of repatriation of dividend of those companies remains impressive, which demonstrates the profitable investment environment in Nepal.
Distinguished Guests,
The agreements and exchange of Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) witnessed just moments ago symbolize the beginning of a new era of collaboration and partnership. I believe this will have a result in the very near future. I also believe that during this important two-days event, some declarations will be made at different levels; Government to Government, Government to Business and Business to Business and Government and this will project Nepal as a global investment destination.
The multitude of projects to be showcased at this summit herald the vast opportunities of investment in Nepal, with the promise of tangible outcomes benefiting both our nation and potential investors.
As we embark on this collective journey, I am confident that Nepal’s immediate goal of achieving sustainable and high economic growth in the coming decade is well within the reach through the partnership with private sectors both domestic and foreign. With the collaboration and support of all, I am optimistic that we will harness Nepal’s economic potential and chart a course towards economic transformation and prosperity.
At the end, I express my warmest wishes to all delegates for a fruitful and productive summit. We would be reaching to you to materializing the outcomes of this summit. May your time in Nepal be filled with inspiration, collaboration, and opportunity. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future.
Wishing you a pleasant stay in Nepal.
Thank you!
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12- Nepal’s almost all sectors open for foreign investment: NC president Deuba
Kathmandu, April 28: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said Nepal’s investment regime is now liberal in terms of sectors open for foreign investment, tax policies and repatriation of earnings.
In his remarks at an inauguration of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 here today, the leader said almost all sectors are open for foreign investment in Nepal. “Agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, mines and minerals, manufacturing, tourism, hydropower and IT are some of the key sectors where domestic and foreign investment will have a transformative impact.”
According to him, foreign investment is protected by domestic law and various international instruments to which Nepal country is a party. The leader of the main opposition said, “I have come to know that the Government has expressed its willingness to conclude bilateral investment protection agreement with various countries to promote Nepal as an attractive destination for investment.”
Flexible labour law, demographic dividend with a substantial share of the young and energetic population, reliable supply of electricity, and availability of local raw materials also contribute to making production cost low compared to other high wages countries in the region, he added.
He informed the foreign community about the establishment of one one-stop service that includes the Investment Board of Nepal for large-scale projects under Public Private Partnership and the Department of Industries for other small and medium-sized investment projects.
“We have streamlined processes to save time and energy for registration of companies and putting them into operation relatively within a short period. Less bureaucracy means faster decision-making and quicker approval of proposals,” he said.
According to the leader, all major political parties remain committed to promoting foreign investment in Nepal and come together to foster consensus on key investment-related issues.
Acknowledging that Nepal is still the least developed country and confronts huge development challenges, he said despite having huge potential for development, lack of adequate capital and appropriate technology to realize development benefits are the concerns of Nepal. “In this context, the convening of this high-level event assumes a particular significance.”
“The internal market is expanding with an increase in the income of people and the external market is accessible due to geographical proximity and concessional trading facilities that we receive from our neighbors and other partners. Our two neighbors -India and China- offer huge market opportunities for Nepal. We also have a supportive trading relationship with the USA and EU,” he said.
On the occasion, he also stated that Nepal pursues a liberal economic policy where market and the private sectors have an important role to play in advancing economic development under a democratic framework.
“The Government plays a facilitating role and creates an environment that is conducive for investment and business without losing its responsibility to ensure social justice and inclusive representation of all segments of Nepali society. We live in an era of intense competition for investment. This means we need to be more attractive and competitive in providing incentives and protecting investment. Money goes where it is treated well. We continue pursuing reform coherently and practically to adjust our investment regime in light of changes in the internal and external economic environment,” he said.
Sharing the forum that Nepal doesn’t entertain a discriminatory policy vis-à-vis foreign investors, he said they are treated at par with national investors. “We welcome foreign investors as our valued guests.”
Claiming that there are convincing examples to prove that foreign investment in Nepal is profitable. Some of the multinationals working in Nepal have been able to repatriate a good amount of dividends over the years.
“Please come to Nepal and invest in our economy that will be beneficial to you and our people. We will provide you full protection and assure you of our sustained cooperation from start to finish,” he urged the foreign community.
The main opposition leader took time to recall the moment when the party initiated economic reform in Nepal. “Back in 1990, the Nepali Congress government liberalized the economy, invited the private sector, and created a conducive environment for foreign investment. During that short span of period, our government reoriented the policies, revised old laws and brought new laws, rationalized public expenditure, and initiated the liberal tax regime.”
As the former Prime Minister said, during his tenure as the Prime Minister, the government implemented crucial reforms aiming to promote foreign investment, boost tourism, harness the potential of hydropower, revitalize industries and agriculture. “As the reform was not completed, I believe that the present government will continue the reform initiatives and create a more conducive environment for the private sector.”
Stating that Nepal has huge untapped potential, he said common efforts can make a difference. The leader also wished for the success of the Summit.
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13- CNI President highlights Nepal’s conducive investment climate at Investment Summit
Kathmadu, April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said a conducive environment is building in Nepal for the investors and the government is moving ahead taking the private sector into confidence.
Addressing to the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit here today, he urged the foreign investors to invest in Nepal, as there is ample possibilities for the same in the country.
Stating that the Summit marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards prosperity and growth, the CNI President Agrawal said: “Nepal, with its abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and strategic location, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving sustainable returns.”
He stated that from tourism to technology, infrastructure development to renewable energy, education to healthcare, Nepal offered a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, and extended a warm welcome to investors from around the world, inviting them to explore the myriad investment prospects that Nepal has to offer.
The CNI President called on investors to seize this moment to capitalize on the momentum generated by this summit and translate it into tangible investments that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress, urging them to explore the diverse array of opportunities that Nepal offers across various sectors.
“Nepal’s unparalleled natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan range and diverse cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists. With a strategic focus on sustainable tourism practices, there is significant room for investment in eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tourism services, and infrastructure development. As the country continues to invest in improving connectivity and promoting its unique attractions, the tourism industry is poised for substantial growth, providing lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on Nepal’s burgeoning tourism market.
“Nepal in the realm of IT, has been making strides to position itself as an emerging IT hub in the South Asian region. Nepal’s exports of IT services experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching a remarkable figure of USD515.4 million in the year 2022. This significant achievement catapulted IT services to the forefront, emerging as the country’s top exportable product. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fueled by a rich pool of talent and a conducive business environment.”
As he said, hydropower represents a crucial sector for investment in Nepal, given its abundant water resources and the potential to generate clean energy and investments in the development of hydropower infrastructure not only contribute to Nepal’s energy security but also offer export opportunities to neighboring countries.
Likewise, Nepal holds untapped potential for investors across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, tea, real estate, and textiles. In the education sector, there is a unique opportunity to establish Nepal as an education hub, leveraging its cultural richness and serene environment. Investing in world-class educational institutions, research facilities, and vocational training centers can attract both domestic and international students. By developing a robust educational ecosystem, investors can contribute to shaping Nepal as a knowledge destination, fostering intellectual growth and socio-economic development.
President Agrawal pointed out that healthcare presents a significant investment avenue, with the potential to establish Nepal as a medical hub. Investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, specialized treatment centers, and research institutions can not only cater to the local population but also attract medical tourists from neighboring countries, he added.
The country’s serene environment can offer a conducive setting for recovery and wellness, making it an appealing destination for medical tourism.
“I am glad to share you all that the government has responded to the requests of private sectors such as CNI by amending various laws and regulations. It brings me great satisfaction to recognize and commend the proactive measures taken by the government through recent amendments in a multitude of laws and regulations. These actions underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive investment climate within the country. The amendments, enacted through ordinances, signify a forward-looking approach aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business.”
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14- Nepal Investment Summit: two agreements signed
Kathmandu, April 28: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Malaysia-based National Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed bilateral agreements aimed at exploring trade and investment promotion.
The signing ceremony took place after the opening session of the Third Investment Summit here today.
The FNCCI President, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, and the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, signed the documents on behalf of their respective sides.
Similarly, two business entities from Nepal and India have entered into a cooperation agreement for the establishment and operation of a data center. BLC Group Nepal and Yotta Data Services Private Limited of India have reached an agreement in this regard.
The Managing Director of BLC Group, Megha Chaudhary, and Yotta’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Gupta, affixed their signatures to the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
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15- PM believes Investment Summit engendered confidence among investors
Kathmandu, April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the enthusiastic participation of investors in the Third Investment Summit has created an environment for renewed investor confidence.
Talking to media persons on conclusion of the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit kicked off here today, he expressed the confidence that more investment would be coming in with the creation of appropriate environment for the same in Nepal.
“Investment will come in to the extent we can create the conducive environment for it. A new climate of confidence has been made from today,” PM Dahal said.
Stating that the inaugural session of the Investment Summit has been encouraging, he said it has been excellent from the perspective of the numbers of participating countries and the investors.
“The inaugural session has been superb. The number of participants increased much than what we had anticipated. We had thought it would be around 1,200, but there is the participation of more than 2,000 investors,” Prime Minister Dahal said, adding, “It had been estimated that 45-50 countries will be attending the Summit. The number of participating countries is over 60.”
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16- Bajhang by-polls: vote count underway
Chainpur (Bajhang), April 28: The vote count under the by-election of the Province Assembly (PA) in Bajhang 1(A) has been underway since 2:20 pm today. According to Chief Election Officer Sudarshan Lamichhane, the count commenced following the establishment of a code of conduct, agreed upon during an all-party meeting.
The count is being conducted at two venues. The total turnout of the voting that was held on Saturday was 49.12 percent, with 30,328 votes cast.
The count began with the ballots collected from wards numbers 1 and 2 of the Chaabispathibhera rural municipality. There are a total of 11 candidates from various political parties participating in the electoral race. The by-election was warranted following the demise PA member Prithvi Bahadur Singh in June.
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17- Bajhang by-polls update: 400 ballots counted
Chainpur (Bajhang), April 28: The vote count under the by-election of the Province Assembly (PA) in Bajhang 1(A) has been underway since 2:20 pm today. In the counts of 400 ballots at the Saraswoti School Centre at Chhabispathibhera rural municipality-2, CPN (UML)’s Daman Bahadur Bhandari led the tally with 157 followed by 132 of Abhishek Bahadur Singh of the Nepali Congress.
Similarly, Dil Bahadur Singh of CPN (Unified Socialist) secures 51 followed by 47 of Janak Bahadur Budha of CPN (Maoist Centre) and one of Kishor Khadka of Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
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18- Indian Ambassador assures of promoting India’s investment in Nepal
Kathmandu, April 28: India’s ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, has assured of encouraging Indian companies to invest in Nepal.
In his address to the opening session of the Third Nepal Investment Summit (NIC) today, the ambassador emphasized that promoting investment in Nepal from India would not only boost trade facilities but also create more trade opportunities. He highlighted the significance of Nepal’s export of power to India to enrich bilateral relations.
The ambassador reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing investment in Nepal in the coming days. He said that Nepal and India are actively collaborating in various sectors, including the establishment of integrated check posts, trans-border electricity transmission facilities, and energy trade.
On the same occasion, Yingming Yang, the Asian Development Bank’s Vice Chair for South, Central, and West Asia, shed light on investment opportunities in Nepal across various sectors. The ADB Vice Chair highlighted Nepal’s vast potential in natural resources, agriculture, green energy, tourism, and trade.
The ADB is actively exploring investment prospects in Nepal and is committed to scaling up cooperation and collaboration with stakeholders to facilitate private sector involvement.
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19- Rajbhandari’s three books released simultaneously
Kathmandu, April 28: Author Laxmi Devi Rajbhandari marked a significant milestone in her literary journey with the release of three books of English poetry.
The anthologies are titled ‘The Bird of Paradise’, ‘Eternal Vigilance’, and ‘Briar Rose’. All of them are long poems (Khanda Kabya) and as the writer says they each contribute a rich narrative of her years of life experience.
The books were released on April 26 amidst a programme in Kathmandu.
Various academicians such as Prof Dr Mohan Prasad Lohani, Prof Ganga Prasad Uprety, Prof Dr Padma Prasad Devkota, Prof Dr Shreedhar Gautam and Prof Keshav Sigdel were present on the occasion and the creations were released jointly.
So far, the publications of literary creations by Rajbhandari include 19 anthologies (eight Nepali, one Newari, and 10 English).
Laxmi Devi Rajbhandari was born and brought up in Kalimpong and has been living in Kathmandu since 1966.
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Ilam by election: Vote counting of Phakphokthum -1 and 2 concludes
Fikkal (Ilam), April 28: The counting of votes under the by-election to the Member of House of Representatives in Ilam, constituency 2 has started.
Out of the 2,836 votes from Phakphokthum rural municipality ward number 1 and 2 counted so far, Nepali Congress candidate Dambar Bahadur Khadka has secured 1,145 votes while the CPN (UML) candidate Suhang Nemwang has polled 1,063 votes.
Similarly, independent candidate Dakendra Singh Limbu has got 311 votes and the Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Milan Limbu bagged 209 votes.
Sixty-nine thousand two hundred and eighty-seven votes were cast in the by-election held on Saturday. The voter turnout was 59.79 per cent. There were 115 thousand 889 registered voters in the Ilam-2 constituency.
Nineteen candidates, including 12 of political parties and seven independents are in the fray in the by-election.
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Nepal’s Himal and Manju clinch ‘Open Duathlon’ Championship title
Kaski, April 28: Nepali athletes have clinched the title of the ‘Open Duathlon’ held today in Pokhara. The competition was held under the Asia Cup Triathlon and South Asian Championship and Nepali players emerged victorious in the both women’s and men’s categories.
The Duathlon comprises a seven-kilometer race and 20-kilometer cycling was won by Manju Kumari Khadka (women) and Himal Tamata (men). Tamata completed the race at 51 minutes and 24 seconds and Khadka finished it in one hour 19 minutes and 45 seconds.
Similarly, Nawaraj Neupane completed the tournament in one hour three minutes, and 47 seconds to secure a second position, and Laxman Malla achieved the third position by completing in one hour four minutes, and 58 seconds.
Nine athletes, including those from India, Bangladesh and Germany along with Nepal, competed towards the Men’s Open Competition while only three had participated towards Women’s Open. The team which won the Women Open Duathlon was declared as the National Champions.
Similarly, Khadka, who won the competition towards Women’s Open and the National Championship, covered the distance in 1 hour 19 minutes and 45 seconds.
Pushpa Rokaya finished the race second clocking 1 hour 23 minutes and 36 seconds while Pramila Dhamala finished third with a timing of one hour 28 minutes and 34 seconds.
Egypt’s Sipheldin Ismai won the title of the Asia Cup Triathlon and the South Asian Championship towards the male category while Iceland’s Ida Hanisdotir was declared the champion towards the women’s category.
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